I am a big fan of NAF products (http://www.naf-equine.eu/uk/). Both my horses are fed daily scoopfuls of NAF Pink Powder (One of my horses is 27 years old and is on NAF Pink Powder Senior – the brand have two versions of this feed balancer to suit horses and ponies of all ages) and I have noticed a great improvement in their condition. Zara, my Irish Sports Horse, has gone from being a gangly 5 year old to a powerful looking event horse in training.
So, when I came across the NAF range of fly repellent products in my local country store in Pitscottie, Fife, and spotted this fluorescent yellow wristband with the catchy words ‘NAF OFF’ written on it, I could not resist buying two to try – especially since they were under £3 each.
The wristband is made from silicone and has a central compartment that is filled with citronella oil. There are five tiny holes in this central compartment and the idea is that you puncture as many holes as you want to give you the level of fragrance that you need. The more holes you puncture, the stronger the scent – and, of course, the shorter the shelf life. But NAF maintains that the scent will last between 4-6 weeks.
My mum and I tried out these wristbands for the first time two weeks ago. We decided to puncture only one hole to begin with, to see how we got on. It was a beautifully sunny and warm day at the horses, so we spent all afternoon there, grooming, working them in hand and shampooing them.
The citronella scent seemed very strong at first, when we punctured the first hole in our kitchen at home. And even after being outside for four hours, and submerging the wristband in water for the majority of this time when bathing the horses, the scent was still as strong out in the open air. My horses were surrounded by flies, but my mum and I were not. We arrived home later that day with not one red, itchy spot on our skin – a welcome relief after a summer of scratching thanks to the Scottish midge.
I have been using the wristband everyday since then and I can honestly say that the scent is still as strong two weeks in – and I am still on the first hole, I have not punctured anymore yet.
The product is surpassing all expectations at the moment and I will write an update once all the holes have been punctured and the scent has all gone. In the meantime, I cannot recommend this product enough. The wristband is a cool colour and idea. It feels like you’re heading to a music festival every time you slide it over your hand. It’s comfortable to wear and more importantly, it works. It’s a brilliant product for the equine enthusiast, but also for anyone that spends time outdoors. I will definitely be packing it on my next trip abroad.
Note: We have put the wristbands back into the resealable bags, that they came in, after every use to help preserve the scent.
What it says on the packaging:
*Citronella oil
* Waterproof
*Indoor and Outdoor use
*Scent last 4-6 weeks
*Adjustable control of level of fragrance
“This silicone NAF Off Citronella Wristband is made with citronella oil. The unique design enables the citronella oil to be contained in a special compartment of the wristband making it highly durable, waterproof and convenient to use. Perfect for both indoor and outdoor activities. The wristband can be worn while riding or around the yard, wear it on the wrist or the ankle.”
http://www.naf-equine.eu/uk/products/productDetail.jsp?detail_id=naf-off-citronella-wristband